Can you have DIEP flap surgery to correct tubular breasts?

A tubular breast deformity is a cosmetic concern for women with a short fold to nipple distance with a protrusion of breast tissue under the nipple/areola. There are several excellent techniques and options to correct this that usually involve the use of an appropriately sized breasts implant and a scar around the nipple areola to correct the "herniated" appearance of the areola. A DIEP flap is almost exclusively used in post mastectomy breast reconstruction for the woman who prefers to use her own tummy tissue instead of implants. It would not be appropriate for correction of a tubular breast deformity. In addition, since tubular breasts are considered an aesthetic concern, third party insurance companies would not cover the costs of a flap reconstruction, which can be very costly. Please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who can advise you specifically on all of your treatment options. Best of luck to you. 

This procedure is technically possible, but it is not the typical procedure that would lead to correction of tuberous breasts. Typically you would need some sort of prosthesis, either an implant or expander, to place pressure on the lower pole of the breast to expand that constricted skin. If you would like an autologous tissue reconstruction, it would be possible to utilize a tissue expander in the first stage and then autologous tissue on the second. However, insurance may not cover the autologous portion of the reconstruction.

Dear Fierce7181,
tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall.The type of surgery best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.My preferred technique for tuberous breast correction involves a multistep procedure where the breast tissue is released in a radial pattern to prevent herniation into the areola and placement of a custom implant size is in the breast to allow appropriate expansion of the breast in the restricted dimensions. This can often be done in a single procedure but sometimes may require two surgeries.That said, it is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery